Angel Reese's debut with the Atlanta Dream wasn't pretty, but she owned the hard parts, even when things didn't go her way.
The Dream trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half, and just about anything that could go wrong offensively did. Atlanta shot just 36% from the floor. No player was in double figures, and the Dream had 13 glaring turnovers. Reese also struggled as Atlanta couldn't find an early rhythm in the first half. The former LSU product couldn't connect at the cup. By halftime, she was just 1-of-5 from the field with three points and nine rebounds. However, she never quit, and in the third quarter, she came alive.
Reese showed off guard-like footwork and balance as she glided to the basket through multiple defenders for a quick score. Moments later, she was finishing at the rim, with a poise and confidence that she perhaps hadn't shown before, and disrupting Minnesota's offense with her length and quick instincts. When the fourth quarter arrived, Reese made two critical layups with under seven minutes remaining that helped Atlanta eat into the Lynx's lead and a game-saving block as time ran down that sealed the Dream's 91-90 victory.
"It was tough for me, obviously, because I didn't finish well tonight, and I was really hard on myself. But, I mean, this is what basketball is, and we talk about it all the time about next best action and being able to be ready for the next possession," Reese said postgame.
"I knew I needed to come up for my teammates on the last possession and get that block … no matter what happened before that. So I just give kudos to my teammates for continuing to instill confidence in me. My rookie year, I probably would have just melted and not be able to fight back and be able to come out with that big block. So shoutout to my teammates."
Reese's continued pursuit of getting better hasn't gone unnoticed. In games, her decision-making and processing are making strides as she adjusts to the Dream's system. Her finishes at the rim are not as crisp as they should be yet, but show an improvement just over a month into her Atlanta tenure.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina’s Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
Purdue’s Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland’s Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women’s basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
Purdue’s Nyagoa Gony goes up for a shot against Maryland’s Angel Reese during the second quarter of an NCAA women’s basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese and Angel Reese hug after their game against Northwestern at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 12, 2021.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Maryland’s Angel Reese react to a call during a Big Ten conference game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland’s Angel Reese flexes during an NCAA Big Ten conference game against Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland’s Angel Reese celebrates after forcing a turnover against Iowa’s Caitlin Clark during a Big Ten game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland’s Angel Reese and teammates celebrate after a Big Ten game against Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women’s Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51.
Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women’s basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts to a play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Feb. 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton tip-off in the first half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey gives directions to forward Angel Reese against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese cuts the net to celebrate the team’s win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese hugs head coach Kim Mulkey and celebrates their win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese keeps the ball from Miami forward Lola Pendande and Miami guard Jasmine Roberts during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU women’s basketball players LaDazhia Williams, Angel Reese, Alexis Morris and Kateri Poole wait to be introduced before Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese, or the “Bayou Barbie,” puts on her crown while being introduced before the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks as head coach Kim Mulkey reacts as they speak to members of the media at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts in the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson celebrates with forward Angel Reese after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates with her team after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese leaps into the air with a teammate prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the women’s basketball Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark defends against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the first half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Molly Davis drives to the basket against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey talks with forward Angel Reese during a stop in play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese, middle, reacts after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts while cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese speaks to members of the media after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures and points to her ring finger during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU’s Angel Reese and Emily Ward present President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden jerseys honoring LSU’s 2023 national championship as they visit the White House with LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey on May 26, 2023.
LSU basketball player Angel Reese arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023.
NCAA women’s basketball national champion Angel Reese prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 18, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 25, 2024.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese places the LSU nameplate on the Sweet 16 bracket after defeating Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 24, 2024.
Angel Reese walks the red carpet before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on Apr. 15, 2024.
Angel Reese poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the No. 7 overall pick to the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024.
Angel Reese leaves The Mark Hotel for the Met Gala, the annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York on May 6, 2024. The 2024 theme for the gala was “The Garden of Time.”
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shoots during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese arrives for a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on June 4, 2024.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark steals the ball from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky celebrates against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 19, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese drives to the basket against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson during the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug 25, 2025.
Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky embrace after a game at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 3, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
Angel Reese walks the runway for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 on Oct. 15, 2025 in New York City.
Angel Reece poses during a media opportunity at Bondi Icebergs on Feb. 4, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
Angel Reese attends the NBA London Game 2026 at The O2 Arena on Jan. 18, 2026 in London, England.1 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina’s Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
1 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina’s Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
2 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Purdue’s Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland’s Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women’s basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
3 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Purdue’s Nyagoa Gony goes up for a shot against Maryland’s Angel Reese during the second quarter of an NCAA women’s basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
4 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese and Angel Reese hug after their game against Northwestern at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 12, 2021.
5 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Maryland’s Angel Reese react to a call during a Big Ten conference game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
6 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland’s Angel Reese flexes during an NCAA Big Ten conference game against Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
7 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland’s Angel Reese celebrates after forcing a turnover against Iowa’s Caitlin Clark during a Big Ten game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
8 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland’s Angel Reese and teammates celebrate after a Big Ten game against Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
9 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women’s Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51.
10 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women’s basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023.
11 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 30, 2023.
12 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts to a play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Feb. 2, 2023.
13 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton tip-off in the first half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
14 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
15 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey gives directions to forward Angel Reese against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
16 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023.
17 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese cuts the net to celebrate the team’s win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
18 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese hugs head coach Kim Mulkey and celebrates their win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
19 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
20 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
21 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese keeps the ball from Miami forward Lola Pendande and Miami guard Jasmine Roberts during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
22 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU women’s basketball players LaDazhia Williams, Angel Reese, Alexis Morris and Kateri Poole wait to be introduced before Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
23 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese, or the “Bayou Barbie,” puts on her crown while being introduced before the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
24 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks as head coach Kim Mulkey reacts as they speak to members of the media at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2023.
25 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts in the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
26 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson celebrates with forward Angel Reese after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
27 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates with her team after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women’s Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
28 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese leaps into the air with a teammate prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the women’s basketball Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
29 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
30 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark defends against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the first half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
31 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Molly Davis drives to the basket against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
32 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey talks with forward Angel Reese during a stop in play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
33 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
34 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese, middle, reacts after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
35 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts while cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
36 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
37 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese speaks to members of the media after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
38 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures and points to her ring finger during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
39 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
40 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU’s Angel Reese and Emily Ward present President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden jerseys honoring LSU’s 2023 national championship as they visit the White House with LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey on May 26, 2023.
41 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU basketball player Angel Reese arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023.
42 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
NCAA women’s basketball national champion Angel Reese prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 18, 2023.
43 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023.
44 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 25, 2024.
45 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024.
46 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese places the LSU nameplate on the Sweet 16 bracket after defeating Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 24, 2024.
47 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese walks the red carpet before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on Apr. 15, 2024.
48 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the No. 7 overall pick to the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024.
49 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese leaves The Mark Hotel for the Met Gala, the annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York on May 6, 2024. The 2024 theme for the gala was “The Garden of Time.”
50 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
51 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shoots during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
52 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese arrives for a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on June 4, 2024.
53 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind.
54 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
55 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark steals the ball from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
56 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky celebrates against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 19, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
57 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese drives to the basket against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson during the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug 25, 2025.
58 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky embrace after a game at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 3, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
59 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese walks the runway for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025 on Oct. 15, 2025 in New York City.
60 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reece poses during a media opportunity at Bondi Icebergs on Feb. 4, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
61 / 61
Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese attends the NBA London Game 2026 at The O2 Arena on Jan. 18, 2026 in London, England.
Dream head coach Karl Smesko has heaped praise on Reese since she arrived. He says her fast integration into the team started with her practice habits and desire to be coached harder, which allowed the 24-year-old to come up clutch on Saturday.
"Angel's been practicing great, and she came up big at the biggest moments. She had that late layup and offensive rebound, and then, she had the block to win it," Smesko said.
"I do think at first she was just trying to feel her way around a little bit, maybe first game nerves with us, but then, just like she is, she's a total competitor. When the game came to the end, and we needed a play, she made it. And (I'm) not surprised at all. She's that type of person."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angel Reese Dream debut shows ongoing development, clutch impact
